No Worries in Sydney, Australia

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"No Worries' is a familiar phrase here in Sydney, similar to 'you're welcome.' After a week in Sydney, Australia, following a luxurious journey from DC with a Business Class upgrade on United's Polaris, it feels like I've traveled acrosss both space and time. Departing on a Saturday and arriving on a Monday, I essentially spent Sunday cocooned within the comforts of a wormhole, indulging in deep sleep and delicious lounge and on-board dining. I feel so spoiled.

Upon touchdown, I intended to dive headfirst into exploring the Botanical Gardens but found myself in a cozy cafe instead, watching a fierce storm rage outside. As lightning struck the Gardens, narrowly missing several visitors but sending them to the hospital unconscious, I found comfort and safety surrounded by the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. Reports later revealed up to 75,000 lightning strikes that day—an unexpected turn to my plans.

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I am here to say that Sydney is an amazing city: it is diverse, exoctic, clean, safe, beautiful and full of vibrant city activities. The people are super friendly and like to chat - hey, I like that too. There are coffee shops on almost every corner, and I'm talking quality coffee. Getting my fix is never a problem. It's a wonderful city to just hang out, especially on the water and by the Opera House, China Town or Darling Harbour. And, there is no shortage of great food, especially Asian food. I had fantastic Malaysian roti canai at the restaurant Mamak, then dim sum the next day at Lotus Dumpling Bar and Vietnamese at Kinhboy Barangaroo. One of the things that stood out the most to me though was being able to walk in the parks at night and feel safe. Something I miss doing back home in the city.

The beaches are fabulous, and I'm not a beach person. So after covering my delicate white skin, I made my way to at least two saltwater swimming pools on the beach. Although freezing cold, it was somehow calming yet invigorating at the same time.

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I just happened to be here at the same time as the Swifie invasion. Yes, Taylor Swift is here now along with Kelce, and the whole city is buzzing about it. A mural of her just popped up yesterday across the street from the hotel. She went to the zoo twice and was there the same day I was apparently. Sadly the concert did go on last night but after a fierce rain storm and evacuation due to lightning in the area.

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So many people ask why I am traveling alone. I don't feel alone, to be honest. I take local tours and meet many new people. Those who know me best know that I am a talker and not afraid to meet people and get to know them. I already feel so privileged to meet many new people here in Sydney, some local and others fellow travelers. The young people, in particular, interest me, and I love to hear what matters to them in life. And sometimes, I like to just wander about alone and see what catches my eye. I love taking street photos which means taking the time to let local life play out organiclly. And lastly, I try to listen to my body and slow down when need be. I'm failing at that at the moment - the body is screaming at me from all the walking (average 10 miles a day).

Today I'm off to Melbourne!  I might be greeted with a small cyclone there.  Yeah!

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Here are some random notes from this week in Sydney:

-Attended "La Traviata" Opera at the Opera House - what a treat

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-Took a day tour to the Blue Mountains and Three Sisters, and later visited the zoo. Lots of fog and rain, but the sun eventually came out.  The blue tones of the mountains are from the eucalyptus trees.

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-The city was celebrating Chinese New Year and Pride month, so the city decorated with colorful lanterns and banners

-Public transportation is incredibly efficient here. Just tap your credit card for buses, trains, and ferries.

-Wild white Cockatoos squawking and flying around the city. Steve and I had two of them in Okinawa and frankly, I was not a fan. They were loud and liked to bite me

-more photos of the Opera House

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Rediscovering Travel: A Journey Through Quebec's French Charms and Enchanting Silent Breakfasts

After enduring seven long months without travel due to my foot surgery in December, I finally felt confident enough to embark on a journey and put my new foot to the test. Quebec City, Canada had always been a destination I yearned to visit, enticed by its French charm and European atmosphere. Little did I know that this city would present me with a unique challenge – an abundance of stairs and steep hills. Nonetheless, I was undeterred and excited to explore.

Based on a friend's recommendation, I chose to stay at the St. Augustine Monastery, which had been founded in 1639 by three French nuns. These remarkable women later established 10 hospitals across Canada and played a pivotal role in shaping the country's healthcare system. The Monastery turned out to be the perfect choice, providing me with meditative walks through its narrow winding streets, an opportunity for self-reflection amidst 380 years of history, tranquil breakfasts (though a bit challenging), yoga (sans the nuns), and wholesome organic food. Perched high on a bluff overlooking the Lawrence River, this walled city exuded charm with its cobblestone streets, cozy bistros, majestic stone churches, and the iconic Chateau Frontenac Hotel towering above the cityscape. With French as the official language of Quebec Province, the European vibe was undeniable, making me feel as if I had crossed the Atlantic.

On my very first day, fate introduced me to Karen, a delightful woman from Delaware, who shared my passion for travel. She, like many other medical professionals, was in Quebec City to rejuvenate and regroup. Our friendship blossomed quickly as we explored all that Quebec City had to offer, from attending a festival in the woods to marveling at the beauty of Montmorency Falls.

One unique aspect of the Monastery experience was the silent breakfasts. Admittedly, I found them a bit awkward during the first two days, especially as I desperately wanted to communicate with my newfound friend and learn more about her. However, with time, Karen and I developed our own form of sign language, enabling us to sit together and share a meal in peaceful silence, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. Surprisingly, this silent practice opened my ears to the surrounding sounds. I discovered a newfound interest in ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) finding pleasure in certain stimulating sounds. For instance, the sound of well-toasted bread being buttered became my favorite. This simple sound made me take notice of other delightful noises: the gentle stirring of spoons in coffee or tea, the clinking of utensils against ceramic plates, the rush of coffee pouring into cups at the coffee station – all of which I found amusing and far from bothersome. Throughout my life, I had always been attuned to sounds, sometimes pleasing, sometimes irritating. One memory that stood out was the sound of my footsteps echoing against cobblestones in Germany, harmonizing with the narrow alleys and ancient brick buildings, as if I were part of a movie soundtrack.

All in all, my Quebec City adventure turned out to be an enriching experience filled with fascinating discoveries and delightful encounters. It proved that even after a long hiatus, the joy of travel and exploration could still be as profound as ever.

Wild and Wonderful Scotland

Now for the next phase of the trip with my sista Lisa!!! What a week. We rented a car (drove on the left side of small roads with lots of pullouts and pot holes) and set out for quite the adventurous week with gale force winds, rain, sunshine and rainbows, and lots of sheep! Also enjoyed the local seafood, gin and whisky - they make some of the best here after all. And to make it the perfect week, we had plenty of fun pub time with live music. Scotland is just gorgeous with majestic mountains, waterfalls, green and gold pastures, and rugged beauty. Topping if all was sharing it all with my sister.

I'll let the photos and videos tell the story.

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Edinburgh

They were celebrating Halloween while I was there. Made this video from a ghost tour I took. We were at an old church cemetery.

I had a rough train ride from Liverpool to Edinburgh. There was a train strike so I crammed into a train with enough passengers for three trains. I ended up sitting on luggage in the entrance area and later just sat on the floor with two other nice young ladies next to the bathroom. Not a fun 3.5 hours, but all part of the adventure. I did have a reserved seat originally. Oh well.

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Inverness

Nature park along the way

I have a thing for plaid and there was plaid everywhere in Scotland

Like to live pub music

https://youtube.com/shorts/GNnCSn-O7bM?feature=share

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Portree in the Isle of Skye - the absolute best!

Sheep!!

https://youtube.com/shorts/H0MwRCQsGMo

Gale force winds:

https://youtube.com/shorts/SnnTHSaEJHg

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Oban

We went to Oban just to meet these two men at Table No. 7 at the Oban Inn. We never met them before, but Lisa's friend asked that we look them up if in the area. Lisa's friend also hadn't known them prior to finding them at this pub, because her friend was also asked to look them up if in town by another friend. These men were flabbergast that yet a third group of girls from Fond du Lac came to see them at this pub. It was a hoot! We couldn't talk to Tiny and Neil much because they were upstairs playing Quiz (some kind of competitive group trivia game), while we were downstairs livin it up with live music and a packed pub.

Now let's pass it on. If anyone who reads this blog is near Oban, Scotland, please look up these two men (Tiny and Neil) and buy them a beer. Table 7 Oban Inn.

Love the music and dance:

https://youtube.com/shorts/5DDJF3yJMdY